Burghfield Box Kart Bash promises thrills, spills and high-speed hilarity

Thrills, spills, and high-speed hilarity are promised at the Burghfield Box Kart Bash later this month.

The event is returning to the home of the historic Auclum Hill Climb – one of the UK’s most historic, exciting and competitive motorsport venues.

On Sunday, June 22, audiences will gather to enjoy the spectacle of watching the gravity-powered racers of all shapes and sizes as they hurtle down the famous slope in a celebration of community, creativity, and (controlled) chaos.

The event pays tribute to the original Auclum Hill Climb, which began in the 1930s on a private drive near Burghfield Common.

This stretch of tarmac became a staple of British motorsport through the 1950s and 60s, drawing huge crowds and cars from across the country.

It hosted everything from modified saloons to sleek single-seaters, earning a place in the annals of motorsport history for its technical challenge and competitive spirit.

What is the Box Kart Bash?

First launched in 2017, the Box Kart Bash was created by the Burghfield Santas to bring racing back to its historic roots, with a fun, family-friendly twist.

By transforming a stretch of Reading Road into a thrilling box kart course, the Box Kart Bash reimagined the hill climb for a new generation of racers, designers, spectators, and supporters.

The Burghfield Santas are the volunteer group behind popular local events, including Burghfest in September and the Burghfield Santa Cruise.

Over the past 20 years, their events have raised more than £350,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local causes – and the Box Kart Bash is no exception, delivering high-octane entertainment with a charitable heart.

MORE CHEESELOGS: Reading Rep Theatre unveils ambitious 2025-26 season promising a new chapter for Berkshire theatre

Now a highlight of the Burghfield community calendar, the Box Kart Bash is the ultimate family day out.

Expect handcrafted karts, wild designs, wacky costumes, and fierce-but-friendly competition, all in support of great local causes.

The racing will start at noon, and a podium ceremony will take place between 4pm and 5pm.

What can people expect at the Box Kart Bash in Burghfield on Sunday, June 22?

• Dozens of box karts racing to become Box Kart Champion
• A tempting range of street food vendors and three bars along the course
• Entertainment
• Live commentary and a buzzing festival atmosphere

Organisers of the Box Kart Bash say the event isn’t just for racers – it’s a brilliant opportunity for residents to be part of one of the biggest community events of the year.

Volunteers are essential to making the day a success, and it’s a fantastic way to meet neighbours, make new friends, and be part of something truly special.

Whether you’re building a kart, lending a hand behind the scenes, or cheering from the sidelines, the Burghfield Box Kart Bash is a must-see event that puts community spirit in the fast lane.

For more information, early bird tickets, kart entries, sponsorship, or volunteering opportunities, visit: https://boxkart.org.uk

Who are the Burghfield Santas?

Celebrating two decades of festive fundraising, the Burghfield Santas have transformed from a modest, pedal-powered Santa-themed pub crawl into a dynamic community group of more than 30 dedicated volunteers.

Over the years, their creative events have raised more than £350,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance

The Santas now organise around 12 vibrant events in Burghfield, including Burghfest – a two-day beer and music festival that draws thousands.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the Burghfield Santas were honoured with the 2024 Pride of Reading Award for Community of the Year.

This accolade celebrates their unwavering commitment to making their area a better place to live and thrive.

The History of the Auclum Hill Climb

The Auclum Hill Climb is a legendary motorsport event with roots stretching back nearly a century. First held in the 1930s on a private drive near Burghfield Common in West Berkshire, the event earned a reputation as one of the most technically challenging and competitive hill climbs in the country.

Organised originally by the Hants and Berks Motor Club, Auclum attracted some of the biggest names in British motorsport.

Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the event drew large crowds and featured vehicles ranging from modified saloons to cutting-edge single-seaters.

Among the many drivers to tackle the narrow, winding ascent were notable figures from the world of club and professional racing, all seeking to set the fastest time on the short but demanding course.

Due to the increasing complexity of motorsport logistics, the original Auclum Hill Climb was eventually retired in the late 1970s.

However, the legacy of the event lives on in local memory and British motorsport history.